My missing hat was located yesterday – buried in a box in our bottomless pit of a closet. Did I ever tell you that we share a closet? Not a walk-in closet, by the way, but a plain old average sized closet. There is so much stuff crammed in there that searching for something requires a deep commitment on my part. I have to be ready to hold my breath, dive in and hope I come up with something. Yesterday was one of those days…but I emerged rather quickly with my trophy. Ah, the joys of living in a 109 year old cottage. Yes, there are many perks but closet space is not one of them. The other closet in the spare bedroom/office/music studio looks like this:
I commandeered that space when we first moved in. I added shelves and they hold all my fabric, yarn, craft supplies, dialect tapes, the ironing board, assorted boxes of stuff I have no idea what to do with, the iron. Note to Norma: this was taken when I first got home – the Koala bear has been rescued from the interior of the closet!
I’ve been in a worrying mode lately. Worried about finances (as are so many of us), worried about my Mother’s health, worried about Riley’s health, worried about where my next job is coming from, worried about where Don’s next job is coming from (freelancing is problematic.) Of course, worry is projection, isn’t it? I’m not living in the moment if I am projecting about what might or might not happen in the future. And I firmly believe that what I send out to the universe comes back to me. So both Don and I write little reminders about what we know to be true right here and right now in our life.
This is today’s message. And we are indeed blessed. Since the chalkboard is located in the kitchen which is open to the living room, we see the message throughout the day. Oh, and it is right next to the door I use to let the dogs out, so add about 20 more times that I see the message.
If you’re new to the blog, the tutorial for the chalkboard is here. (Wouldn’t you know I’d use pink chalk?)
I’m grateful for abundance today.
Hi Claudia! Yes, it’s hard not to worry when we are faced with the uncertainties of life, isn’t it? I can even worry about worrying if I let myself;>)
I find, just like you, that when I worry I am certainly NOT living in the moment…and, as a result, I am missing that moment. I used to find that I was either living in the past or projecting into the future~neither one of which is good for me. So, thank you for the reminder. And…I love your blue blackboard! Diana
Hi Claudia! That chalkboard is awesome, love that color and the name fits it perfectly. I can be a worrier at times too and if I’m not careful it sneaks up from behind in the form of panic attacks. Then the panic attacks make me worry more and so goes the cycle. Yes, most of us have been blessed so much we really should be filled with JOY and yet, we still worry. Have a blessed and joyful evening, Nan
Glad you told it by yourself! When I started reading your post, I was about to suggest exactly the same.
Trust the Abundance, Claudia!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for your wonderful words to me!
Hugs,
Monicax.
Hi Claudia,
Thanks for such a sweet post and reminder than we are “blessed with abundance.” It’s so hard not to worry about things, we all do.
Sometimes a gentle reminder is all we need to live in the moment.
hugs
Sissie
I worry constantly- you are not alone. Like you, I try to think about the here and now- since all the wasted energy of worry can often times be for nothing. I believe the universe gives back what you give out too! I’ve been trying to explain this to my “negative-nelly” husband for years! If you project good and happiness then it has to come back to you! Love your quote- most of us are indeed blessed in abundance- thank you for reminding me :)
Claudia,
Beautiful words on the chalk board.
Believe.
Carol
Claudia, your board says it so sweetly. Worry diminishs the spirit.
hugs ♥ olive
It’s wonderful to have this reminder, today and everyday :0)
I always try to remind myself that all the things I’ve worried about in the past turned out the same wether I worried about them or not. One day I’ll learn to trust myself :0)
Have an abundant day,
Lynea
It’s wonderful to have this reminder, today and everyday :0)
I always try to remind myself that all the things I’ve worried about in the past turned out the same wether I worried about them or not. One day I’ll learn to trust myself :0)
Have an abundant day,
Lynea
Great blog post with nice words to think about! Sound like you have mastered the art of sharing small closet space. Trick=deep breath and jump in. I love you crafting closet. Worry~sometimes I think that is my middle name. It is a constant battle but I am slowly conquoring it! I like the black board idea!
Happiness to you. Dogwood
Hi Claudia, to live in the moment -aaaahhhhhh – a dream of mine! I don’t know if I can really, truly do it, without thinking about what’s going to happen next or what I forgot to do, or reshaping the ‘now’ that I am experiencing. I think that when I comment on other’s blogs I might be in the moment for those few moments. Oh well, one more thing to work on!
One reason that I think you worry so much is that you are a good person, always thinking about others. And I’m with you, what goes out into the universe comes right back at you. So I’m living in the moment and sending only good thoughts and energy out there for anyone out there who needs them.
By the way, I love that little blue hat, your message and message board, those cute little colorful polka-dots on the ironing board cover (must make you smile when you iron), and the fact that you saved that little bear from the back of your closet! Ciao, bella!
Hi Claudia:
I love what Olive said…”Worry diminishes the spirit”…I think I need to write that down somewhere. We all hope that situations will improve soon. It really wears on all of us.
xoxo
Donna
New follower here- thanks for sharing! Great message and chalkboard! Love it!
You amazingly always see the glass as half full, which I think is the true key to steady happiness. I’m not showing my closets!!!
Brenda
I’m so blessed that I scarce can take it in, sweets! Live is beautiful to me and having Miss Caroline for 4 days has lifted my spirit beyond measure I can assure you.
xoxo,
Connie
Claudia, you’re so right, we should all count our blessings instead of worrying about the future or focusing on things that are out of our control.
Many blessings to you! ~Brooke
Hi Claudia
Just back from vaca and am still trying to visit all of my friends. I had a lot to read here…
Happy B-day to your Mum! May she have many healthy and happy more b-days.
Our home will be 100 yrs soon and I’m right there with you on the closet space. It’s disgraceful how our closets look and all the clothes usually have to be ironed.
It’s hard not to worry and think about the “what ifs,” we all do it. Keep thinking those good thoughts.
Enjoy your week my friend!
Leann
Ha, I didn’t even notice the koala in the closet – she might like it in there you know, nice and cosy looking, but I guess not much sunlight ;)
Hi Claudia,
Worrying is worrying……..don’t you think? I’d have to say that 90% of the best worryiers in the world are women. We are pro’s at it, and personally I’ve been doing it since I came into this world, however, I’m of the mind that those of us who worry are prepared in advance when problems occur. I don’t know about you, but I’m at my most calm when catastrophe hits, and the world is falling apart because I already worried about it and worked out a plan! So dearest Claudia, worry or don’t worry, either way it will all work itself out.
Lot’s of hugs,
Meri
i love this post claudia!!!! first…i too have that hobbit closet you have living in our crumbly old military house. my closet is teeny tiny and i have things buried in bags and folded and crammed into hanging organizer thingies. it’s NUTS. it is way overstuffed and i have a hot flash every time i look for a pair of shoes. my craft room closet is even worse!!! lol.
right…abundance….good one. that is what i love about the bounty of good junk…there is always more and more. may not be new or fancy or expensive, but there is an abundance of cool things out there if you are willing to dig….just not thru those hobbit closets!!
thanks for the reminder…and i too worry quiet a lot. i don’t work, so i know the finance thing. it’s tough.
hang in there….good luck!!!
sue
Oh to have an abundance of closet space! You must have a pooch with a weak bladder. I have one of those myself. The pooch. And the bladder, LOL! Love the chalkboard!
hi claudia!
i’ve been missing my blogging time lately but had to stop by to see what’s new with you. so happy i did because i’ve been worrying a lot, too, and little reminders of the good things around us are always a good thing.
love the title of your post! i keep re-reading your write-up in RH!
xo
elyse
Claudia, Life is so unpredictable. Things can change in an instant. We never know what is around the next corner, or coming in the next 15 minutes. I think you are doing a good job of living as much in the moment as you can. Keep your chin up and something will come along.
I do love your aqua chalkboard and pink chalk!! I have just come back from reading your tutorial, and I want to make one for my kitchen. In blue of course.
I had a big smile on my face when you talked about sharing a closet with your husband. DH and I share too. I think it is a blessing. Limited space means that we HAVE to keep it neat and organized. I save money because I only buy what I will wear. I can always find what I need, it’s too small for things to get lost. And I will never have to call “Clean House” to come and sort out a mess.
Claudia, stress is my middle name these days. Two nights ago at dinner I was complaining about how much stress I was feeling and then yesterday I had the worst stressful day that I could imagine, something new and out of the blue that I did not see coming.
So I, like you, am now focusing on all of the positives in my life because I do have so much to be grateful and thankful for.
Wishing you all the best, Donna
Claudia, good things are coming your way. I too, firmly believe that what I send out to the universe comes back to me. I love your chalkboard affirmation– words are sooo powerful.
Hugs,
Jill
You may be totally familiar w/this book, but I can’t help but recommend it to everyone in the universe– Simple Abundance by Sara Ban Breathnach. Read it with your favorite cuppa each morning. :)
Ah yes, the joy of small closets! My cottage is 97 years old, so I can sympathize. I think that we are all worried these days. When will this economic depression end??? After losing my Daddy in June, I think about my Mom’s health all of the time. Let’s just have big imaginary closets in our homes where we can toss all of our worries. Then we can close the door and focus on the words on your cute chalkboard. We will focus on faith, trust, perseverance. Stay strong dear friend!!
Lots of love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
We should surround ourselves with positive images and words… I hope your worry mode goes away and you find peace that things will work out for the best.
Love the blue of your chalkboard.
Blessings~
Gwen
HI CLAUDIA,
TALK ABOUT THINKING TOO MUCH ALL THE TIME, AND STRESS IS NUMBER ONE. I WAS HAVING CONCERNS ABOUT MY DAUGHTER JENNY, A LOT OF THINKING, AND THAT CAN WEAR YOU DOWN. THINGS ARE COMING TOGETHER, SO I FEEL BETTER ABOUT THAT SITUATION, (JENNY IS MY DAUGHTER WHO HAS TBI AND IS BEDRIDDEN) TALK ABOUT CLOSET SPACE.
WHEN MY HUSBAND AND I MOVED IN WITH MY DAUGHTER JACKIE I HAD A FULL HOUSE OF
FURNITURE, PLUS I AM A CRAFTER. I AM STILL LOOKING FOR MORE CLOSET SPACE. I FEEL FOR YOU. I TRY TO THROW STUFF AWAY, BUT IT’S NOT EASY. I HOPE RILEY IS OK, I WILL SAY A PRAYER FOR HIM. TAKE CARE CLAUDIA.
RIZZI